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Rubashkin Released On Bail

By Howard M. Friedman

Yesterday's Des Moines (IA) Register reports that federal Chief District Judge Linda Reade has ruled that Agriprocessors Inc. meatpacking executive Sholom Rubashkin may be released on $500,000 bail. She held that reasonable precautions are available to assure that Rubashkin will appear for trial in September. Prosecutors have until Thursday to decide whether to appeal the ruling. In an earlier controversial decision, a federal magistrate judge had denied bail, in part alluding to the risk that Rubashkin would flee to Israel under the Law of Return. That decision led to protests by those who read it as suggesting that all Jews are greater flight risks. (See prior posting). Rubashkin is charged with bank fraud and harboring illegal workers. [Thanks to Jack Levey for the lead.]

Full post as published by Religion Clause on January 28, 2009 (boomark / email).